Visiting the Polish Parliament – What is a Visit to the Heart of Polish Democracy Like?

Visiting the Polish Parliament is a unique opportunity to see the place where the most important decisions for the country are made. It’s not only a chance to enter the famous chamber of the Sejm but also to learn about the history of Polish parliamentarism and visit many symbolic locations.

To visit the Polish Parliament, prior reservation is required. Bookings are accepted through the Online Reservation System for Visits to the Sejm. It’s advisable to sign up in advance, as the number of spots is limited and demand is high.

The main entrance to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland
The main entrance to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, through which both parliamentarians and visitors enter.
Entrance to the Pass Office of the Chancellery of the Polish Parliament with visible signage and security camera
Sejm Pass Office – where the visitor entry procedure begins.

Sejm – Individual Tour

Starting from February 2024, individual tours of the Polish Parliament are available. This means that private individuals can join a group of visitors without the need to organize a guided tour. The tours take place on weekdays at 12:00 PM. On the day of the visit, you should arrive by 11:45 AM at the Pass Office located at Wiejska 4/6/8.

Sejm – Tour Price

Visiting the Polish Parliament is completely free of charge. There is no need to purchase tickets or pay any fees. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the functioning of the Polish parliament without any additional costs.

Chamber of the Polish Parliament with MPs' seats, podium, and Polish flag
Main chamber of the Sejm – where key debates and votes take place.

Entry to the Polish Parliament – Formalities and Security Check

It’s important to arrive on time for the tour, although the formalities before entry may take some time. Each participant must go through a security procedure, which includes:

🔹 Picking up the pass – You must present an ID document.
🔹 Personal check – Similar to an airport, you will pass through metal detectors.
🔹 Baggage screening – All bags, backpacks, or pouches must be checked.
🔹 Removing belts, watches, metal items – Be prepared for this to ensure a smooth security process.

After going through this procedure, all personal belongings (including handbags, backpacks, and pouches) must be left in the cloakroom. You may only bring your mobile phone and camera with you.

What Can You See During a Visit to the Polish Parliament?

A visit to the Polish Parliament is not just about seeing familiar places from TV, but also an opportunity to learn many interesting stories related to the parliament. Here are the main highlights of the visit:

1️⃣ Model of the Sejm Complex
At the beginning, the guide presents a model of the entire Sejm complex, explaining which buildings serve which functions. This is a perfect introduction to the rest of the tour.

A group of visitors observes a model of the Polish Parliament complex.
Visitors to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland by the architectural model of the parliamentary buildings.
Model of the Polish Parliament Complex
Model of the Sejm complex on display during a parliamentary tour

2️⃣ Sejm Chamber
This is the most recognizable place in the Polish Parliament – the hall where the MPs hold their sessions. You can see the famous green benches, the podium, as well as the galleries for guests and journalists. The guide explains how the sessions are conducted, how the voting system works, and the rules that apply during the meetings.

President’s Seat in the Sejm Gallery
The President’s seat in the Sejm gallery, from where parliamentary sessions can be observed
Visitors in the Sejm gallery overlooking the podium and parliamentary benches
Visitor gallery in the Polish Parliament – a place to observe parliamentary sessions.
Tour of the Sejm – Group of Visitors in the Gallery of the Plenary Hall
Visitors to the Sejm listening to a guide in the gallery above the plenary chamber, from where parliamentary debates can be observed

3️⃣ Column Hall
One of the most representative places in the Sejm. The Column Hall is used for committee meetings, conferences, and formal gatherings. Its monumental columns and classical architecture leave a strong impression.

Column Hall in the Sejm – A Prestigious Interior of the Polish Parliament
The Column Hall is a venue for key debates, conferences, and committee meetings
Main Hall of the Sejm – A Prestigious Interior of the Parliament
The main hall of the Sejm is one of the most recognizable spaces in the Polish Parliament, often seen in media coverage

4️⃣ Commemorative Plaques
In the corridors of the Sejm, there are plaques honoring MPs and senators who died in various tragic events. Among them is a plaque dedicated to the victims of the Smolensk disaster – MPs and senators who perished in 2010.

Marble plaque commemorating members of the Polish Parliament who died in the Smolensk air disaster on April 10, 2010
Memorial plaque in the Polish Parliament dedicated to parliamentarians who perished in the Smolensk air disaster.
Commemorative Plaques in the Sejm – John Paul II and Lech Kaczyński
Commemorative plaques in the Sejm honor the visit of Pope John Paul II and President Lech Kaczyński.
Marble plaques in the Polish Parliament honoring MPs of the Second Republic who died during World War II
Commemorative plaques in the Polish Parliament dedicated to MPs of the Second Republic who gave their lives for their country during World War II.

5️⃣ Display Cases with Historical Memorabilia
During the tour, you can also see showcases with historical marshal’s staffs, symbols of the power of the Sejm marshals. One of the most interesting exhibits is a cross given to Sejm Marshal Marek Kuchciński on the occasion of the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland. It was made from fragments of an oak tree that dates back to the times of Mieszko I – a unique memento that connects the history of Poland with contemporary parliamentarism.

Display Case with Historical Marshal's Batons in the Sejm
A display case in the Sejm of the Republic of Poland featuring historical marshal's batons – symbols of the Marshal's authority and dignity
Cross from an Oak Tree Dating Back to the Time of Mieszko I in the Sejm
A cross gifted to Marshal of the Sejm Marek Kuchciński on the 1050th Anniversary of the Baptism of Poland, made from oak dating to the time of Mieszko I

Is it worth visiting the Polish Parliament?

Yes! It’s not only a unique opportunity to see the place where Polish laws are created, but also a chance to learn about the history and symbolism related to parliamentarism. The visit allows you to view the Sejm from a different perspective – not just as a place of political debates, but also as an institution with a rich tradition and significant importance for the country.

For everyone interested in history, politics, and the functioning of the state, visiting the Polish Parliament is a must-see on the map of Warsaw!

📅 Remember to book your visit in advance ➡️ reservation for a visit to the Sejm.

Main Hall of the Sejm with Grand Staircase
The main entrance to the Polish Parliament leads into a spacious hall with a grand staircase, often serving as the backdrop for key political events and press conferences.
Plenary Chamber of the Polish Parliament – Where National Debates Take Place
A view of the plenary chamber of the Sejm, where the most important debates and votes are held.

What is worth seeing near the Polish Parliament?

After visiting the Sejm, it’s worth taking the opportunity to explore other interesting places nearby. Just next door is the Museum of the Earth (Muzeum Ziemi PAN), which will delight geology, mineral, and Earth history enthusiasts. There, you can see incredible collections of rocks, fossils, and amber. Learn more about this unique institution in our article ➡️ Museum of the Earth in Warsaw – Discover Nature’s Treasures.

For fans of performing arts, a great choice is the Buffo Theatre, known for its spectacular musicals and entertainment shows, including the legendary “Metro” by Janusz Józefowicz. It’s a place that has been attracting theatre and music lovers for years. To learn more about its history and repertoire, check out our article ➡️ Buffo Theatre – The Magic of Musicals in Warsaw.

St. Alexander’s Church at Warsaw’s Three Crosses Square on a Sunny Day
Neoclassical St. Alexander’s Church – The Focal Point of Three Crosses Square in Warsaw

After visiting the Polish Parliament, it’s worth taking a walk to the nearby Three Crosses Square (Plac Trzech Krzyży) – one of the most elegant and historic places in Warsaw. It’s a perfect continuation of a day filled with history and architecture. Want to know what to see and where to stop for a coffee in the area? Check out our guide to Three Crosses Square 👉.

Visiting the Sejm is a great starting point for further exploration of Warsaw!

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